Congo’s Ebola outbreak records one of its highest weekly death tolls yet
An Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has reached record-high weekly death tolls, with health officials struggling to contain the rapid spread. The government has received vaccine doses, though their efficacy against the specific Bundibugyo virus strain remains under investigation.
Why it matters
The rapid spread of a deadly virus in a conflict-prone region poses a significant threat to regional stability and global public health.
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — More than 300 people died of Ebola in eastern Congo in the past week, one of the highest weekly tolls yet, government data showed Monday, as health workers struggle to catch up with an outbreak that is spreading at unprecedented speed.
Ministry of Health data showed that as of Saturday, the outbreak had recorded 5,514 cases and 2,642 deaths, including 317 deaths reported in the previous seven days. But Congolese experts have said the outbreak that started weeks before it was confirmed could be three times the known size.
This is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history, with many people dying outside treatment centers. It has recorded seven times more deaths at this stage than the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak that is the deadliest in history with over 11,000 in all.
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